Enema

Question 1

Purpose of the GI tract

Answer 1

absorb fluid and nutrients, prepare food for absorption and use by body cells, provide for temporary storage of feces

Question 2

Enema

Answer 2

instillation of a solution into the rectum and sigmoid colon

- volume of fluid instilled breaks up the fecal mass, stretches the rectal wall, and initiates the defecation reflex

Question 3

what is the most common use for an enema?

Answer 3

temporary relief of constipation

Question 4

Enemas are also a vehicle for medications that?

Answer 4

exert a local effect on rectal mucosa